Author: James Partridge

Synopsis At the age of 51 and after 20 months on unemployment, Thierry starts a new job that soon brings him face to face with a moral dilemma. How much is he willing to accept to keep his job? Thoughts An interesting premise and fine lead performance does not, in this case, make for great film. The main problem with the film is that it doesn’t really go anywhere or resolve anything – one or the other would have worked, but not both. Shame – it could’ve been a great film. Rating...

Synopsis Rediscover one of the most beloved stories of all time. At the heart of it all is The Little Girl, who’s being prepared by her mother for the very grown-up world in which they live – only to be interrupted by her eccentric, kind-hearted neighbor, The Aviator. The Aviator introduces his new friend to an extraordinary world where anything is possible. A world that he himself was initiated into long ago by The Little Prince. It’s here that The Little Girl’s magical and emotional journey into the universe of The Little Prince begins. And it’s where The Little Girl rediscovers her childhood and learns that ultimately, it’s human connections that matter most, and that it is only with heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. Thoughts The Little Prince is an absolute delight – on all counts. The fantasy elements blend beautifully with real-life situations and emotions. The only disappointing thing about the screening – not the film – was that I was absolutely exhausted. I want to see this film again to truly appreciate it. Can’t wait. Rating...

Synopsis Julien and Marguerite de Ravalet, son and daughter of the Lord of Tourlaville, have loved each other tenderly since childhood. But as they grow up, their affection veers toward voracious passion. Scandalized by their affair, society hounds them until, unable to resist their feelings, they flee. A contemporary fairytale about desire, passion, hope, love and death. A timeless story, beyond all morality. Thoughts One of two films at Cannes about incest – not exactly a theme, but interesting in its own right. And controversial topics can be very rewarding if skillfully crafted and executed with care on screen. Marguerite & Julien is not one of those films. The bland back story and overly dramatic acting only serve to take you out of the film, rendering any adept portrayal of the tricky subject matter unnecessary – not that they got that right either. Rating...